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What Are the Basic Things to Know About Painting?

Painting may be one of the oldest art forms. In prehistoric days, cave painters used rocks, charcoal, and ochre to create pictures on cave walls. Today, painting is used to create anything from elaborate portraits to landscapes. 

Painting isn’t an exact science, and while it takes skill and time to master, painting can be a relatively easy task when broken down into small, manageable steps. Moreover, regardless of the type of painting, the basics remain the same. First, you’ll need to select a type of paint for the surface you will be painting on.

Conquer Common Painting Blunders

Any painter you ask about things they would have known before painting will probably mention mixing different colors and selecting the right canvas. Sure, painters have their jobs to do, and they don’t want to waste time talking about painting stuff, but if there is one thing painters might have desperately wished they had learned before starting to paint, it would be how to control paint splatter.

Put Your Art in Perspective

There is nothing wrong with painting something that is totally out of the world. Even if you cannot draw human figures, you can try abstracts. Do not hesitate to paint what your mind tells you to because the painting has no fixed rules. The subjects, styles, and forms can vary. Remember that you need not imitate Da Vinci. Your artwork can be unique and different from his. 

Try Drawing Tips for Beginners

Try drawing tips for beginners because everyone starts as an amateur and ends up being a professional. Remember that you do not have to have exceptional skills just when you are starting your journey. Drawing is considered one of the basic forms of expression, so start with the basics–perhaps begin with learning to draw portraits. At first, you will only draw with a pencil, but you can start using other mediums, like watercolor, as you advance.

Find the Right Medium

There are several painting mediums that you can consider. For instance, you can try the below-mentioned ones:

  • Acrylic Paints 
  • Markers.
  • Watercolor Paints. 
  • Gouache Paints
  • Chalk Pastels
  • Oil Pastels
  • Colored Pencil

However, decide which ones could be the best suitable for you. If pencils are something that interests you, then use them to hone your skills.

Images that Beginners Should Try Painting

Moon and stars

Moon and stars are vibrant and elegant subjects that allow the painters to replicate the beauty that is visible in these elements. These kinds of paintings reflect the natural night sky– usually, the starry sky is painted a soft blue.

Sky 

In painting, the sky is an area of a composition that is a bit higher than the surrounding area, usually with interesting cloud formations or colors. The sky is an important element and can be viewed as either neutral (like white, gray, black, or blue) or having a color in it (like red, orange, yellow, etc.). As a beginner in painting, the sky is something that can be very tricky. Many times, the sky has too many different colors, and it’s hard to decide what goes where. But again, it is up to the painter to decide what colors he wants to put in his sky. 

Rainbow

The rainbow painting is one of the most popular paintings for beginner-level painters. The topic is simple and easy to learn. Put the 7 colors in a bow-shape figure, and you are done.

Whale

Whale painting is an art that is popularly considered only to be made by expert painters. However, this is not the case. Whale painting is more of an art than a painting and it can still be done with different materials.

Mountains

Painting mountains is a great way to experience the natural beauty of mountains and snow. It teaches you how to look up at a mountain and see the beauty rather than just see the mountain as a mountain. Mountains connect with your soul, and having your own painting of them is a great way to remember what it felt like to look at them.

Planets

Planets in Space: Practical Painting Techniques for the Beginner is an excellent resource for painting planets. Not only is there the author’s perspective, but there are also step-by-step instructions. The book starts with the basics and then proceeds with more challenging projects.

Clouds

Beginners should try painting clouds. Clouds as subjects are challenging, like a cloud with foreground features. They are a subject where the background is just as important as the foreground. 

Painting can be both relaxing and enjoyable. This is because it creates beautiful effects which will make you feel great about the finished art piece. However, this art form is not easy; you have to be patient, and you need to be dedicated to the task.